A Clayhall woman celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends on Wednesday.

Lilian Jackson lived in Earlswood Gardens before moving to Belmont Lodge, Chigwell.

Born in Bow, first job was as a “furrier” making fur coats for a small company in central London.

Later in life, she invigilated Cambridge University exams part time after having two children with husband Sam Jackson, who was a Detective Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police.

Lilian now has two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren

Friends and family, including her son who travelled from America for the day, joined her at the car home to celebrate her birthday.

Daughter Pauline Carpenter, 67, said: “It was lovely, everyone had a really nice day.

“Mum enjoyed herself, she had so many flowers it was unbelievable.”